Let Soeharto's old age be peaceful

Let Soeharto's old age be peaceful

From Jurnal Indonesia

When I recently watched a televised report on former president
Soeharto, who was about to be examined at the Central Pertamina
Hospital (RSPP), I suddenly felt sorry for him. He looked
extremely pale, weak and sorry, as if without a soul. I wondered
if that was his actual physical and mental condition or if he was
made to look that way.

If his condition is really powerless as reported by his team
of doctors, I would like to appeal to all parties to let him go
and spend his old age in peace. I think we should feel sorry for
him and treat him more humanely, including dismissing him from
all charges. Hasn't he been the nation's father of development?
Hasn't he rendered this country many services? They say he has
saved us from poverty. Remember those years our people were very
poor?

I think it is just unfair that people are holding him
responsible for everything his former administration did, as if
he was the only person who has led the nation. For we all know
there are so many former political and military high-ranking
officials who should, in my opinion, also be held responsible for
having -- as they say -- brought misfortune on this country. But
so far they've kept smiling for not being brought to court.
No, men, we should be fair to all and never merely revenge.
Please have mercy on Pak Harto and let him sleep in peace while
spending his old age, as he's been seriously ill.

M. FAUZAN

Address known to the editor